Iheanacho sweating over Celtic future as Brendan Rodgers resigns as manager

Brendan Rodgers has stepped down as Celtic coach following a disappointing run of form this season, leaving Nigerian star striker Kelechi Iheanacho in a state of uncertainty just months after reuniting with his former mentor.

Rodgers, who returned to Celtic in 2023, enjoyed initial brilliance by leading the club to back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles. However, the current campaign has been marred by struggles, including a shocking elimination from the Champions League qualifiers at the hands of Kazakhstani side Kairat Almaty.

Domestically, the team is struggling by their own high standards, sitting second and eight points adrift of surprise leaders Hearts.

The final straw for Rodgers appeared to be last weekend's 3-1 defeat to Hearts.

The manager's departure creates immediate instability for Iheanacho. The ex-Manchester City striker re-united with Rodgers at Celtic in the summer, seeking the consistent trust and playing time he enjoyed under the coach at Leicester City, after a torrid spell at Sevilla.

Iheanacho started brightly, contributing two goals and one assist in his first three games. However, his form has since tailed off, with only one goal registered in his last five appearances.

Having signed only a one-year deal, the 29-year-old now faces an anxious wait. Iheanacho will be keenly hoping that the incoming coach shares Rodgers' belief in his ability and continues to afford him the valuable minutes he needs to succeed at Celtic Park.